Dominik Mueller

Early flowering and early ripening white grape variety. Other names include Grauburgunder, Grauer Burgunder, Ruländer (Austria, Germany) and Pinot Grigio (Italy). The skin colour can vary, with shades ranging from grey, rusty red to a light brownish colour. Accordingly, depending on the length of extraction in the winemaking process, the wine can be white to yellow (little extraction) or even a little rosé (more extraction) in colour. In terms of aromatics and flavours, Pinot Gris can be fruity (apples, pear, mild citrus) to nutty or buttery. It is typically relatively low in acidity and can be higher in alcohol than many other white varieties - due to high sugar levels. This also makes Pinot Gris perfect for the production of off-dry or sweet wines. It can be medium to full-bodied and oily in texture, although there are good examples of lighter, fresh and more acidic whites produced from this variety, too.